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2775347 
Technical Report 
Postspinal anesthesia headache treated with caffeine. Evaluation with demand method. Part 1 
Sechzer, PH; Abel, L 
1978 
IPA/79/334090 
Ther 
No 3 
307-312 
English 
IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP Using a double blind demand method, caffeine sodium benzoate (I), 0.5 g/2 ml, IV for postspinal anesthesia headache was evaluated in 104 patients aged 19 to 89 yr. A highly significant statistical difference was found as compared to inactive control. The majority of subjects were relieved by one or 2 injections and, in 70%, the headache did not return. The headache is usually relieved completely with the first injection and does not recur. If necessary, the treatment may be continued at 8 hr intervals. However, more than 3 injections are rarely needed. Studies of cerebral vascular dynamics offer an understanding of the mechanism of action. Following the administration of I there is increased cerebral arteriolar resistance, a decrease in cerebral blood inflow and diminishing blood volume in the brain. The effect is not on cerebrospinal fluid leakage but rather on the cerebral vessels and blood flow so that traction on pain sensitive intracranial structures is relieved.